Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Day After Tragedy


The Day after Tragedy
 

Yesterday as tragic as it was I was encouraged by the people there.  In the midst of the bombs going off people ran to it and helped those in need.  As much evil there is in the world I have to believe that there is as much if not more good in the world.  I was watching the images and I saw a number of people without their shirts and at first I thought it was odd but then I realized that these people took the shirts off their own backs to help those in need.

This world is bombarded with attacks on the innocence and each and every time others stand up against the evil, people come together, and some sacrificed their own safety and sometimes lives to help others.   Yes, there is evil in this world, but when push comes to shove people come together regardless of beliefs, religion, race, and political views. United we stand.

On our way to drop the kids off to school I was able to talk to my kids again about what happened yesterday in Boston.  We had a chance to pray for those fighting for their lives and those grieving.  My heart was touched by the tenderness of theirs.  We talked about the evil in this world and we talked about the good as well.  We talked about how we will not live in fear and that our greatest weapon against evil is prayer. The statement was brought up that no one can take our prayers away from us, and no one can take away what we keep good inside us. We talked about how tragedy can united others and how good can come out of something so bad. We talked about God and the love He has for us.  It was a good talk.

I never want my children to live in fear, but I want them to stand strong and live their life.  Sydney my 11yr old daughter said, “it is like we are in God’s army and we need to fight back with our prayers for others.”  That is so true and so bold of a statement.  It is up to us to come together united in prayer and fight against the evils of this world.  When we our united we are stronger.  I will stand proud to be in the army of God and I will fight against the evil in this world and pray for a nation, a world, a people to come to know Christ as their personal Savior. 

My heart and prayers continue to go out to those hurting and in need.  My prayers will continue for justice, for a world to come together and fight for what is right, and for my children to never live in fear.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Boston Our Prayers Are With You


Boston Our Prayers Are With You
 

As I was sitting listening to the news my daughter Sarah asked me why would someone do that and all I could tell her that there is only one word to describe what happened today in Boston and that is “EVIL.” I had to tell her that there is evil in this world and there are people who do evil things.  Sydney turns and say “Is there anywhere in this world that is safe.” Oh, my poor little girl, I thought in my mind.  I don’t want her to live in fear.  We started to talk more and I had to tell her that yes there is evil in this world and bad things can happen at any time, but you can’t live in fear.  I told her that we have to put our trust in God.  God knows and He loves us.  We live in a world that is uncertain but God is in control.  I had to explain to her that we may not understand why God allows things like this, but I know that God can turn this tragedy in to something good.  I told her that “no, we can never replace the lives that were lost and take away the pain and fear of those hurt, but God can turn our Ashes into beauty.”  I told her that we will continue to live our life and not live in fear but we will stand strong and continue to trust in God. Sydney than asked what can we do to help and I told her we can pray.

My heart and prayers go out to those affected by this tragic event.  To those who were injured, to the loved ones of those hurt, to the families of those who lost their life, and those still fighting for their lives know that the prayers of a nation are with you.  Let us remember that we are “one Nation under God.” There is one thing that I know to be true about America is when tragedy strike America Unites.  America may be diverse in so many ways, but it is a nation that stands together when we are attacked.

There is one way we can unite and that is to give comfort to those in need. 

When tragedy strikes people need comfort.  2 Corinthians says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”

In times of sorrow and tragedy Christ wants to give comfort to the hurting. His love eternal and His love never dies. The presence of Christ brings peace to the troubled, hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak.

The Greek word for comfort literally means “to come alongside and help.” Comfort does not remove our sufferings but it does bring us strength, encouragement and hope. When we go through hard times, Christ comes by our side and helps us.

Life is uncertain. One moment you can be living out your greatest dream and the next you could be taken from this world. No one knows what tomorrow holds but you can know who holds tomorrow. Christ stands by your side, no matter what the day brings and offers you help, healing and hope.

When tragedy strikes people need hope.  On this eve of such sadness and fear turn to the one that comforts and the one who gives hope.  Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you.”  As I told my daughter we will stand strong and not live in fear, but we will continue to trust in God.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever and His promises are not fleeting but eternal. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  Let us cling to our Savior and stand together as a nation, give comfort to those who are hurting, and stand for justice.

  “I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”